“LeBron James had no idea this was coming. Anthony Davis had no idea this was coming. I’m sure Luka Doncic is still stunned about this trade.” Shams Charania’s revelation highlighted how perplexed the NBA world was regarding the trade deal of the decade! The day before yesterday was a day like any other. It got turned on its heels once it was confirmed that Luka Doncic was being traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis.

The Slovenian was the face of the Texas franchise since 2018 and helped the Mavs reach the NBA Finals last season after a decade-long hiatus. He was presumed to be as safe as anyone else. Unfortunately, in the NBA’s dynamic and ever-changing world, no one is ever truly safe. It is a fact that another European player now realized.

Nikola Jokic participated in a presser after the Denver Nuggets’ 125-113 win against the New Orleans Pelicans. The Serbian held a behind-the-scenes association with Luka Doncic, a bond that comes from both players hailing from Europe. Therefore, it didn’t take long for the media to question him about the trade. Jokic revealed texting the now Lakers player.

The conversation between them made it clear that Doncic had not expected the trade. This caused the 3x MVP to point out an important fact by stating “It’s a business. I don’t know, you know. I think nobody expected, especially him. I think nobody’s safe in the league, seems like”.

Despite all this, Jokic wished Luka Doncic the very best in the next chapter of his NBA journey.

The Luka Doncic-Anthony Davis trade may be this generation’s most surprising. At the same time, however, letting go of valuable athletes isn’t anything new. During the recent off-season, Karl-Anthony Towns made headlines for getting traded to the New York Knicks. The partnership between Towns and Anthony Edwards was shattered.

Days after becoming the team’s new owner, Mat Ishbia and the Suns executed a memorable trade move to acquire Kevin Durant from the Brooklyn Nets. Therefore, if these on-court legends can be let go, if the right offer is made, then what is stopping the others from also being sent off like them?

Everyone in the Nuggets locker room may have been subconsciously aware that they aren’t safe. However, Nikola Jokic’s remarks would have brought that belief right to the front of the mind. Therefore, the head coach may have looked to personally assure at least one player.

Michael Malone dismissed Michael Porter Jr’s trade rumors amid Nikola Jokic’s ‘Nobody’s Safe’ Quote

While Nikola Jokic was doing his presser, so was Michael Malone. The recent pressers came around the same time Michael Porter Jr. was hyped as a potential trade target. It is no secret that the Denver Nuggets are struggling with consistency, despite holding a 31-19 win record. A trade can bring a needed change, and Porter is the only player on Denver’s roster eligible to be traded before the February 6 deadline. The fact that he makes more than $9 million this season also makes him a prime trade candidate. If this was the Hunger Games, no one would place their odds on the 26-year-old small forward. No one, except the Nuggets head coach.

“No because we’re not trading Michael Porter,” said Malone. “So I’m not touching base with anybody on that. … And if there’s something coming, obviously [Nuggets GM Calvin Booth] will talk with me and I’m sure we’ll communicate with whatever players. But Michael is a really important piece, he helped us win a championship.”

The upcoming hours could be quite impactful. Some players like Giannis Antetokounmpo are having fun amidst the tension. After all, the ‘Greek Freak’ insisted that the New York Knicks should trade for Nikola Jokic. A few fans are highlighting how injury reports are suddenly clearing out after Luka Doncic’s trade. The fear is not only amongst Nuggets players but potentially in the league as a whole.